. >>> what might happen next year if congress doesn't avoid the fiscal cliff. a person earning 50-$75,000 a year would see a hike of $2,400. >>> gas prices in the bay area and around california are still dropping. that is according to aaa. the trend will continue into the new year. the average price of a gallon is $3.60-in san francisco. san jose $3.49. oakland $3.48. california is reflecting a national trend as demand is low and supplies are high. >>> back to the developing news we showed you earlier. an apparent head on collision had forced police to shut down highway 84. that has now been reopened but as a result of that closure you can see the traffic backup. this is highway 84 in the livermore area. westbound lanes, severe back up. no word about the injuries, what the conditions are of the people involved in the accident but we are continuing to work the phones and get more details. you can see from our picture here, the incredible traffic back up. if you are planning to be around that area, you might try to take another route. >>> move on to weather now.